Devils on wheels take locals for another ride

KOCHI: The recent death of an income tax official after being hit by a speeding bike has not put the brakes on devils on wheels in Panampilly Nagar. In yet another accident in the posh residential area, a Polo car driven by a 19-year-old boy rammed into a BMW car around 8pm on Sunday. Upset locals caught the boy and handed him over to the police.

But the police failed to register a case and let the accused driver go scot-free. The callous attitude of the police has infuriated the residents who have decided to patrol the area to prevent accidents due to rash and negligent driving.

"After the accident, the locals caught hold of the Polo driver and handed him over to the police. The police didn't register a complaint and as the boy agreed to pay me the damages and I didn't pursue the matter," admitted Renolze Rehman, who was driving the BMW.

Shockingly, the traffic police claimed that they cannot act against offenders as in most cases victims only give an oral complaint. CI M M Stalin, traffic west, claimed, "We have not received any written complaints about speeding, rash and negligent driving. Yet, we are doing our best and patrolling the stretch at nights". "Most of the people involved in such accidents are in their early 20s. Henceforth, we will nab any motorist found speeding in the area, written complaint or not," he added.

On Thursday, Sunil Kumar (45) of Koonthalezhath in Panampilly Nagar, died after suffering fatal injuries when his motorcycle was hit by a high-speed bike in front of his house.

Around 100 residents, both men and women, formed groups and patrolled the area on foot on Saturday night and warned speeding drivers. "Even after repeatedly informing the police, they have failed to act against offenders who have become a nuisance in the locality," said Sherly Chacko, president, Panampilly Nagar Welfare Association.

Residents in the locality said that youngsters from different parts of the city conducted races on modified bikes and cars, starting with bets of around Rs 5,000. "They race to complete three rounds on the stretch to win the bet. Some days, there are around 10 to 12 bikes and cars that take part in these races," said Unnikrishnan C S, treasurer, Panampilly Nagar Resident Association. "Bets are also made for stunts such as drifting, burning and wheeling on sports bikes. This has now becoma become a threat to our lives," he added.